About this opportunity
The Science@Leuven Scholarship 2027-2028 is the Faculty of Science award at KU Leuven in Belgium for outstanding international students entering an eligible masters programme. It pays an allowance of up to EUR 12,000 per academic year for a maximum of two consecutive years, lasting two academic years if the student performs well in the first year. Non-EEA students also receive a partial tuition fee waiver; in 2026-2027 that left a fee of EUR 3,252.72 regardless of programme, while the amount for 2027-2028 has not yet been decided. EEA students receive the allowance without an additional tuition fee waiver. The scholarship is highly competitive and the number awarded varies each year with available funds. Only students with excellent results, comparable to at least Distinction at KU Leuven, are considered, and applicants must not be Belgian nationals, must hold a bachelor degree from a non-Belgian university, must not have previously studied or worked at KU Leuven, and must not already hold a masters degree or a PhD.
Who should apply?
This may be a fit if the following points describe you. Always use the official criteria as the final check.
- Apply for an eligible masters programme at the Faculty of Science of KU Leuven: Astronomy and Astrophysics, Biology, Biophysics Biochemistry and Biotechnology, Chemistry, Geography, Geology, Mathematics, Physics, Statistics and Data Science, or Sustainable Development
- Note that Geography, Geology and Sustainable Development are eligible only for students enrolled at KU Leuven as home institution
- Hold a bachelor degree from a non-Belgian university that gives access to the masters programme you are applying for, and meet that programme admission requirements
- Have excellent previous results, comparable to at least Distinction at KU Leuven, since academic results are the main ranking criterion
- Be of any nationality except Belgian nationality
- Not have previously studied or worked at KU Leuven, and not yet have obtained a masters degree or a PhD
- Show very good English: IELTS minimum 7 overall, with at least 6.5 for reading, 6 for listening, 6 for speaking and 6 for writing, or the TOEFL standard stated on the official page
- Be willing to act as an ambassador for the programme for which you are applying
What the opportunity may offer
- Allowance of up to EUR 12,000 per academic year, for a maximum of two consecutive years
- Two academic year duration if the student performs well in the first year of the masters programme
- Partial tuition fee waiver for non-EEA students, on top of the allowance; the 2027-2028 waived fee amount has not yet been decided
- A named scholarship for students of the Master of Geography, awarded only if applicants meet the high level expected of a Science@Leuven holder
- Consideration for around eight shortlisted candidates invited to an online interview in April 2027, ranked on academic results, English, motivation and ambassador potential
Required documents
- Complete masters application submitted through the KU Leuven application tool by 15 February 2027, with the standard documents required for admission
- Transcript of Records listing every course for which credits were received, with course size in ECTS credits and results, preferably on the ECTS scale, with an explanation if another scale is used
- A brief description, about half a page to one page, of the courses from your previous or current programme most relevant as preparation for the masters programme, with content, textbooks used and credits
- Two letters of reference from internationally renowned professors
- A letter of motivation for the programme
- The email confirming that your masters application was successfully submitted, which must be uploaded when you register for the Science@Leuven Scholarship
Application process
- Choose an eligible Faculty of Science masters programme at KU Leuven and read its strict programme eligibility criteria
- Apply for the masters programme using the KU Leuven application tool, and upload the required documents, including transcript, course descriptions, two reference letters and motivation letter
- Register for the Science@Leuven Scholarship as soon as you have applied for the programme, adding the email confirming your masters application was submitted, and wait for the email confirming your scholarship registration is complete
- Complete both the masters application and the scholarship registration by 15 February 2027; admission committees evaluate applications from 15 February to the end of March 2027
- If admitted by the beginning of April 2027, you enter scholarship consideration; around eight candidates are invited to an online interview in April 2027, and the Fund Board awards scholarships at the beginning of May 2027
Before you apply
- □Confirm that you meet every eligibility condition
- □Check the deadline in your own time zone
- □Prepare documents in the required format
- □Ask referees early and share the official instructions
- □Review the official source once more before submitting
Deadline notes
Applications opened 1 October 2026 and close 15 February 2027. Both the complete masters application in the KU Leuven application tool and the separate Science@Leuven Scholarship registration must be complete by that date. You can register for the scholarship as soon as you have applied for a programme, without waiting for admission, but you will only be considered if you are admitted. Programme admission committees evaluate applications from 15 February to the end of March 2027, applicants admitted by the beginning of April 2027 are considered for the scholarship, interviews are held in April 2027, and the Science@Leuven Fund Board awards the scholarships at the beginning of May 2027.
Frequently asked questions
What does the Science@Leuven Scholarship pay?
An allowance of up to EUR 12,000 per academic year for a maximum of two consecutive years, lasting two years if you perform well in the first year. Non-EEA students also receive a partial tuition fee waiver; the 2027-2028 waived fee amount has not yet been decided.
What is the Science@Leuven Scholarship deadline for 2027-2028?
15 February 2027. Both your complete masters application in the KU Leuven application tool and your separate Science@Leuven Scholarship registration must be complete by that date.
Which masters programmes are eligible for Science@Leuven?
Astronomy and Astrophysics, Biology, Biophysics Biochemistry and Biotechnology, Chemistry, Geography, Geology, Mathematics, Physics, Statistics and Data Science, and Sustainable Development. Geography, Geology and Sustainable Development count only where KU Leuven is your home institution.
Do I need to wait for admission before registering for the scholarship?
No. You can register for the scholarship as soon as you have applied for a programme, attaching the email confirming your masters application was submitted. You will only be considered for the award if you are admitted.
What English level does Science@Leuven require?
Very good English: IELTS minimum 7 overall, with at least 6.5 for reading, 6 for listening, 6 for speaking and 6 for writing, or the TOEFL standard stated on the official KU Leuven page.
Programme details can change. Check the original listing before you prepare or submit an application.
Last reviewed: 2026-11-04UShireZone is not affiliated with KU Leuven, Faculty of Science. We never charge applicants to apply. Always verify details and submit through the official website.
